Name: Kingdom of Bhutan

Location: In the eastern Himalayas between Tibet to the north, the Indian territories of Assam and West Bengal to the south and east and Sikkim to the west

Population: 2.4 million (UN, 2005; some estimates are significantly lower)

Capital: Thimphu

Area: 38,364 sq km (14,812 sq miles)

Major language: Dzongkha (official)

Major religions: Buddhism (official), Hinduism

Life expectancy: 62 years (men), 64 years (women) (UN)

Currency: 1 ngultrum (nu) = 100 chetrum

Internet domain: .bt

International dialing code: +975

Climate: Ranges from tropical in the south to temperate in the centre and cold in the north.

Entry/Visa: As well as a valid passport, vistors must have a visa approved prior to arriving in the kingdom. Travellers who do not have an approved visa in their posession will not be permitted to board their Druk Air flight to Bhutan. A two-week visa costs $20 USD and is stamped in your passport at Paro Airport during the immigration process. Visas are approved and issued prior to entry wit the prepayment of your travel itinerary. It is recommened to finalise travel plans at least 90 days in advance of travel.

Get there: the national airline and the only airline to serve Bhutan is Drukair www.drukair.com.bt. Tourists must travel on a pre-planned, prepaid, guided, package tour,or custom designed travel program. Independent travel is NOT permitted in Bhutan. You can join a drukair flight from Calcutta, Dhaka or Kathmandu, Bangkok. You cannot buy a ticket on a drukair flight without first being in possesion of a visa.

Notes: The tiny Kingdom of Bhutan is an ancient kingdom secluded high in the Himalays. For centuries it was cut off from the outside world fiercely protecting its ancient traditions.

20 March 2008